We desperately need another district hospital

MANY moons ago, way back in the 1980s, a certain lady, I think she was prime minister, set about decimating numerous industries, mining being a prime example. The NHS didn’t come out of it too well either. While she didn’t destroy it, she certainly constrained its growth by the lack of funds which were invested in it.

South Glamorgan Health Authority at that time proposed three district general hospitals and five neighbourhood hospitals to satisfy the projected requirements of this area. The capital or revenue monies were denied for this plan and consequently we now have the Heath Hospital which was designed for 800 beds, now with 1,200 beds, and the Llandough Hospital site crammed to capacity.

Recently I have made frequent visits to my GP, Crwys Medical Centre, whose staff have in total been the most caring, helpful and accommodating anyone could wish for. With the Heath and Llandough, how these hospitals do what they do is nothing short of miraculous. This and winter bed shortages are proof indeed that a third DGH is required for this catchment area.

While leaving the Heath, we bumped into a face from the past who first started working at the CRI in the 1960s. At the age of 72, with 52 years’ service, Steve Tatnell.

Not many people can claim that kind of record. Well done, Steve.

Doug Bragg

Cathays, Cardiff

We so enjoyed school’s special day

ON Friday, May 10, we attended the celebration ceremony for the pupils of year 11 at Mary Immaculate High School who are leaving school this year.

Thank you to the head teacher and all staff and to the students themselves who looked so smart and happy. It was a joy to attend.

The pupils started five years ago as children and leave as young adults, our grandson Ryan Sargent being one of them.

Good luck and best wishes to all of you and thank you for a special day.

Pauline and Barry Durante and Ryan’s mum Cara Michaelston-super-Ely Clear signage could reduce road rage

THERE are many places where the number of lanes on a road reduces, leading to antagonism between drivers.

This can result in “road rage” and I’ve witnessed minor accidents when neither driver gives way.

I think this is because arrows on the road indicating the end of one lane are insufficient to tell drivers how they should behave.

In the US, and in some places in the UK, there are clear signs, visible to both affected lanes, with the words “Merge in turn”. Where these signs are present, my observation is that the system generally works well.

While leaving the Heath, we bumped into a face from the past... Doug Bragg Cathays